Think it blew up!

[fredski53]

Well, I think I went and did it! Took the Vicky out today for a drive, on the way home I was cruising at 40/45 when she started to make a very loud pounding noise! It lasted for a few seconds then the engine stopped. Coasted to the side of the road and called the wife to help tow it home. Once home I tried to start her up, and she started right up! But now it's smoking bad. A lot is smoke coming out the oil fill cap. It never did that before. Don't hear any new engine noises, it's ticking a bit, but not bad. So, what do you think? Did it throw a rod? Break a ring? I'm not crazy about getting the engine overhauled, but of thats what it take, so be it.

[Gary WA]

Drop the pan and have a look for metal?

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Fred,

One (1) humble opinion:

Really, not too much different than if you reported that your wife received a gift wrapped present for her birthday today from her children ..... and .... what do you think is inside?

With all of us as well "experienced" senior married, highly intelligent Model A owners on here, with years and years of wife knowledge, children knowledge, women's birthday knowledge, one can just imagine the recommendations and guess coming in ....... a watch, ear rings, necklace, ring, watch and ear rings, necklace and watch, etc., etc., and the list goes on for days.

But in my humble opinion .......... Fred already knows that the real winning answer will always be "after" the birthday package is opened.

[Scottio57]

From what you describe my guess would be a piston seizure.

[Mike V. Florida]

I have the exact same thing happen to me soon after buying the car. An original Ford valve snapped off and fell into the cylinder popping a hole in the piston.

[burner31]

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I think they refer to it as "an exploratory"
Going to have to crack the chest

[H. L. Chauvin]

After finding the exact problem of all of what happened; next (2) interesting questions could be:

1. Why?

2. Who put an engine together that failed cruising at 40/45 mph ?

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would pull the engine and mount it in an engine stand, then start by removing the head, then the pan.

Don't turn the engine upside down when you remove the pan, because you want any metal pieces and grit to remain in the pan.

You'll likely wind up with at least a hone job and new set of pistons.

[Bob Bidonde]

In my opinion, before taking anything apart, do:
1. a compression test;
2. drain the motor oil and check for metal in the oil and the drain plug.
Using what you learn from 1 & 2, disassemble the engine accordingly.

[fredski53]

Well, I slept on it last night, and I've decided to pull the engine and send it to a machine shop. I drained the oil, it was dirty, but didn't see any metal. Went to drain raderator, guess what? NO COOLANT! Oops , didn't check raderator before I went for the drive! But, in my defense, the car has a temp gauge. Temp was at 185 during the drive. But I guess if there is no water reaching the temp sender, then the gauge wouldn't be accurate! Oops, my bad! This mistake is going to cost big $$$$$!

[Jim M]

Keep us posted. Also, if you put your town and state in your profile might help with someone close coming over to inspect/help. Guys close to me have been better than any manual!

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by fredski53

Well, I slept on it last night, and I've decided to pull the engine and send it to a machine shop. I drained the oil, it was dirty, but didn't see any metal. Went to drain raderator, guess what? NO COOLANT! Oops , didn't check raderator before I went for the drive! But, in my defense, the car has a temp gauge. Temp was at 185 during the drive. But I guess if there is no water reaching the temp sender, then the gauge wouldn't be accurate! Oops, my bad! This mistake is going to cost big $$$$$!

Be sure to do your homework when choosing a shop and make sure they
are experienced with Model A's.

Bob

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Fred,

All of the above helpful.

Most importantly, in my opinion, your reply no. 10 tells us you are no different than the rest of us ...... a most humble caring Model A person who honestly thought his radiator was full.

Most Model A guys would never have the intestinal fortitude and compassion to return to report not checking same prior to departure .... but your reply no. 10 is most educational for all of us ..... thanks for sharing.

Because of having thousands of most important life saving type vehicles, one simple military rule to follow is taught in military driver education, e.g., when a soldier picks up any vehicle in a military motor pool .... before driving off, first check coolant level, oil level, tire pressure, brake lights, running lights, fuel level, etc., etc. ..... with vehicles sitting idle unattended for any period of time, leaks and whatever are most common ...... not much different with our vintage Model A's ..... only takes (5) minutes or less .... can save big bucks .... never a bad idea to get in the habit of performing simple vehicle pre-checks.

[fredski53]

Thank you all for your insight! I've found a shop in Sokie. ILL, Antique Engine Rebuilding, like what I've read about them. Has anyone ever dealt with them? It would be nice to use them because their only an hour or so drive from the house.

[JBill]

Originally Posted by fredski53

Thank you all for your insight! I've found a shop in Sokie. ILL, Antique Engine Rebuilding, like what I've read about them. Has anyone ever dealt with them? It would be nice to use them because their only an hour or so drive from the house.

They are one of the best, IMO. I've heard nothing but good about them on this board. They did my engine about ten years ago. They will do inserts if you want them.

[JBill]

Originally Posted by fredski53

Thank you all for your insight! I've found a shop in Sokie. ILL, Antique Engine Rebuilding, like what I've read about them. Has anyone ever dealt with them? It would be nice to use them because their only an hour or so drive from the house.

PS: It's "Skokie," not Sokie, which you probably won't find on the map! Northwest suburb of Chicago.

[H. L. Chauvin]

Good advice ..... names may be important at times:

Just in case you find a Model A Engine Re-building Company .... or .. an engine Re-building Company in a town with a name like "Soakie" ....... might be wise to be careful !

[Ernie Vitucci]

Go on line to the 'Model A Restorers Club of America' and see where the nearest club you is, and then contact them, and ask who does their engines...Ernie

[Bruce Adams]

Antique Engine Rebuilding is in Skokie IL and they did well by me in selling me a rebuilt engine. I see you are in Indiana which I guess is not all that far from Illinois if that comes into play. Best of luck !

[Bob C]

If you are using Antique Engine Rebuilding here's a video by them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5kDrtTJGsU

Bob

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by fredski53

Thank you all for your insight! I've found a shop in Sokie. ILL, Antique Engine Rebuilding, like what I've read about them. Has anyone ever dealt with them? It would be nice to use them because their only an hour or so drive from the house.

Rich is very good to work with! Call him before driving there, he can and will save you on shipping, sales tax, etc.

[Synchro909]

If your trouble began with no coolant, my guess is as others have suggested, a piston grabbed in a bore. Obviously, the engine was hot. I suggest you have them check the block for cracks while it is apart and don't go cheap fixing it.

[Bruce Adams]

I have had GREAT results from my ANTIQUE ENGINE -Skokie IL Engine. Maybe 10,000 miles, does 65 mph easy, balanced shaft, touring cam, enlarged intakes, valves, inserts.
I use Mobil One and do not lose a drop between changes. The balanced crankshaft makes higher revs easy without trauma to the engine.